Phalaris (Phalaris aquatica) - Department of Agriculture and Food

Temperate perennial grasses
A productive phalaris pasture has a high
requirement for N, P, K and S. Phalaris is more
responsive to increases in soil fertility than
cocksfoot and tall fescue. Regularly topdress
using a phosphate-based fertiliser on soils with
a low to moderate phosphorus availability or
use a sulphur-based fertiliser on soils highly
deficient in phosphate and sulphur to maintain
a vigorous legume component. Phalaris is also
sensitive to sulphur deficiency. Phalaris has a
high requirement for N and this can be supplied
either by a companion legume or by applications
of fertiliser. Phalaris makes good quality hay
or silage.
Companion species
Suitable companion legumes include
subterranean clover, serradella, lucerne,
strawberry clover and perennial lotus. Phalaris
can be grown with other temperate grasses
such as tall fescue, cocksfoot and ryegrass,
however for successful establishment they need
to be sown in separate rows. Subsequent grazing
management needs to meet the requirements
of all the species.
Cultivars
Prostrate, semi-winter dormant, low summer
dormancy types
‘Australian’ (public variety) was the original phalaris
ecotype in Australia and is the most grazingtolerant
cultivar due to its prostrate, spreading
growth habit. It needs to be grazed heavily
to maintain feed value. It can tolerate drought
conditions in cool, high rainfall zones but is less
persistent in drier marginal rainfall areas. It is
resistant to insect attack. Limitations include
poor seedling vigour, low winter production,
high alkaloid content and poor seed retention
(superseded by Australian II).
‘Uneta’ (public variety) was bred from Australian
and is identical in agronomic performance but has
superior seed retention (superseded by Australian II).
‘Grasslands Maru’ (public variety) has similar
agronomic characteristics and performance to
Australian but has better seedling vigour and
lower alkaloid content.
Source: Moore, G, Sanford, P & Wiley, T 2006, Perennial pastures for Western Australia,
Department of Agriculture and Food Western Australia, Bulletin 4690, Perth.
‘Australian II’ A was bred by CSIRO as a
replacement for Australian, with equal or superior
productivity, grazing tolerance and persistence,
plus good seed retention.
‘Seedmaster’ (public variety) has identical
appearance to Australian but with improved seed
retention. However, compared to Australian,
it is less vigorous and has inferior persistence
(superseded).
Semi-erect to erect, winter-active, medium to
high summer dormancy types
‘Sirolan’ (public variety) has an erect growth habit
and does not spread laterally. It is a low alkaloid
variety with high seedling vigour, high winter
production and good survival through summer.
Sirolan has a lower incidence of sudden death,
although ‘phalaris staggers’ can still occur. It is the
most persistent variety in marginal rainfall areas.
‘Sirosa’ (public variety) has a semi-erect growth
habit and is similar to Sirolan but with better
tolerance of acid soils, later flowering and
higher alkaloid content. Sirosa is less droughttolerant
than Sirolan but superior to Australian
(superseded by Holdfast).
‘Sirocco’ (public variety) has an erect growth
habit. High summer dormancy but can cause
poisoning if it produces sufficient summer growth
(superseded by Atlas PG).
‘Holdfast’ A is a semi-erect type with minimal lateral
spread. Similar agronomic performance to Sirolan
and Sirosa but with superior seed retention. Good
seedling vigour and establishment and low in
alkaloids. Persistent under harsh conditions and
one of the most acid-tolerant varieties.
‘Landmaster’ A is an erect type selected by
CSIRO for its ability to grow on shallow, stony
and moderately acid, infertile soils. Landmaster
is the most tolerant cultivar of acid soils and
intermediate in alkaloid content.
‘Atlas PG’ A is an erect, winter-active cultivar with
high summer dormancy bred by CSIRO to persist
in areas that are usually marginal for phalaris.
It has a low tolerance of acid soils. Atlas PG has
good seedling vigour and winter production and
is early flowering. It requires rotational grazing for
good persistence and production.
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